Skill, Elite Drones Fuel Company's Success

Dark Horizon Drones founders Dale Mannasmith and Cole Chapman turn hobby into thriving pet and livestock recovery business.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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For Dale Mannasmith and Cole Chapman, the path to launching Dark Horizon Drones wasn't the result of a formal business plan. Instead, it developed organically through conversations and curiosity. The pair formed the recovery business as a side job, but a call by a Marysville family with a missing dog led them to use their drone expertise to help find the pet, sparking the growth of their company.

Why it matters

Dark Horizon Drones' focus on specialized drone services for pet and livestock recovery highlights how hobbyist skills can be turned into successful niche businesses, especially in smaller communities where traditional services may not be readily available. The company's story also demonstrates the power of word-of-mouth and organic growth, rather than relying on a rigid business plan.

The details

Mannasmith and Chapman, whose drone company specializes in pet and livestock recovery, helped find a missing dog after she had been missing for nearly a week. The duo formed Dark Horizon Drones as a side job, but the successful dog rescue led to more clients seeking their drone expertise for similar recovery missions.

  • In January, Mannasmith and Chapman helped rescue a missing dog named Gracie in a field outside Marysville.
  • Dark Horizon Drones was formed organically through conversations and curiosity, rather than a formal business plan.

The players

Dale Mannasmith

Co-founder of Dark Horizon Drones, a drone company that specializes in pet and livestock recovery.

Cole Chapman

Co-founder of Dark Horizon Drones, a drone company that specializes in pet and livestock recovery.

Amanda Sebert

A Marysville resident whose missing dog, Gracie, was rescued by Mannasmith and Chapman using their drone expertise.

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The takeaway

Dark Horizon Drones' story demonstrates how specialized skills and a willingness to help the local community can turn a hobby into a thriving small business, even without a formal business plan. Their success highlights the potential for niche services to fill gaps in smaller markets.